Coronavirus: How long does it take to recover? - BBC News

More than 1.1 million people have recovered from coronavirus globally, but the time it takes to recover can vary.

Most people will only develop mild symptoms, which usually take a week to recover from, maybe longer. In more serious cases, it could be more than a year.

Medics at the Centre for Perioperative Care say stopping smoking, drinking less alcohol, exercising more, and maintaining a healthy weight can make a difference.

BBC health correspondent Laura Foster explains recovery times and what you can do to help others.

Video by Terry Saunders, Tobias Chapple and Laura Foster

[ivaniqbal]

My mom's results just came positive. She's the heart of our family and needs prayers. Please keep her in your prayers. In Sha Allah she will be fine.

[liameggleton]

I just tested positive 4 days ago. Started off with a sore throat and now got a cold. Temperature is a bit all over the place.Headache keeps coming and going. I feel very weak though. I still have my taste and smell which is good. Eating is extremely hard. This is by far the worst sore throat I’ve ever had. It’s like having glass at the back of your throat. I hope you all pull through this and stay safe. Happy new year too ❤️

[hardikkarelia]

My dad had Pneumonia and Covid. He is totally fine now.

Edit:- 9/1/2021

[Bigdaddy-Donkyking]

I only had it for a total of 4 weeks 5th week back cutting grass i have high blood pressure type 2 diabetes and over weight i kicked its ass i hope everyone thats having a hard time with it gets better soon good luck yall

[BorgesProduction]

I eat healthy and exercise and I still got infected with COVID

[rajonchamps]

My father was just recently diagnosed. He has an underlying condition but has only mild symptoms. I’m scared I’ll lose my father and idk what I’ll do without him. Please keep everyone dealing with this very tuff time in your highest of prayer not just myself. I’ll keep y’all in mine as well.

[SafdarAli-kgbn]

May Allah protect and cure, everybody who is suffering from this virus. With luv to all Samina Ali

[PakiBikerAftab]

Hey guys my dad is in hospital from last 6 days. Today morning he shifted to ICU now he is on vantilator please pray for him 😢 he doesn’t have any other illness he was a perfect fit guy but this corona brought him to bed 😢

[REAPERAPO]

Today I got tested positive, fortunately I have only mild symptoms like coughing, increased body temperature and muscle pain, other than that I feel quite good, I hope I will recover soon
Update: I am good, I recovered pretty fast, I am back to normal

[johnzylali]

Please pray for me and my dad please i am so scared 😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏

[Ceelxaar]

I had the virus from march 6 to 12 Two days on and off fever, and dry cough. Other then that after 3 days I was completely fine. The thing that was even worse than the virus itself is the stress that my brain created by tricking me that I'm gonna be seriouly ill and lack of sleep because of anxiety. I'm 29 years old no other health problems

[hritikthakur]

My grandmother is in ICU it's 4th day today plz pray for her speedy recovery.

[rabeccamaliti]

I tested positive for covid-19 and currently I'm in self isolation. I hope to get well soon 😌

[ChandraKumar-nzfj]

My dad is very sick and my uncle is also having pneumonia.. Please pray for them

[RR-nlep]

Good luck to anyone who got this! It is relentless and makes you want to give up. The severe headaches, body aches, diarrhea, congestion, sweating, burning chest, fatigue, freezing chills, nausea and annoying cough messes with your mind. Hang in there and don't quit.😇👼

[doveronefoxtrot]

From being in intensive care to back at your desk two weeks. Truly amazing.

[shreelaxmikambala]

Hi,
My dad tested positive and taking treatment since 12th September 2020, He was is room air since 2 days he is in 92% 15litre NRBM mask oxygen. He as diabetes, BP and heart issues last year. Please pray for him. Am just feeling like hell every minute. Whenever my phone rings my heartbeat raise and my hands shiver. Please need all your blessings. I just can't imagine my life without him. I will die.

[carloybanez]

Has anyone having a loss of smell. ? me it almost a month.

[spillxla]

My mom and dad have corona it came today but when I saw this video that maybe it’ll take weeks I got better! Please pray for them thank you!

[Odaytatime]

I am in week 9. Still having relapses. Fever for 2 months.
There will be atleast 1 in 20 who will take months to recover.
#1in20covid19